Laurel Circle’s Charitable Quilters and Knitters Featured in NJBiz

Laurel Circle artisans donate handmade items to Center for Great Expectations

Did you see our quilters and knitters in NJBiz? They recently presented a donation of three full tables of their latest creations to the Center for Great Expectations, a non-profit that serves over 1,000 women, men, and children in need on an annual basis. See their picture at https://njbiz.com/pic-page-nov-29-2021/. Full story below.

The talented and skilled quilters and knitters of Laurel Circle, a lifeplan community in Bridgewater, N.J. recently presented three full tables of their latest creations to the Center for Great Expectations (CGE), a non-profit that serves over 1,000 women, men, and children on an annual basis.

Over the years, the quilters’ group at Laurel Circle have made and donated more than 60 full-sized and baby quilts to CGE, while the knitting group has created and donated countless teddy bears, blankets, hats, mittens, sweaters, scarves, and other knitted items for the non-profit.

Many of the individuals CGE helps are homeless or economically marginalized, pregnant or parenting, or living with mental health or substance use disorders.

Quilter Joan Bloomer explains that helping others is a fundamental part of Laurel Circle’s quilting and knitting groups: “We make each piece with love and we make them to give away.”

Vocational wellness is an important component of the senior living community’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness program. “We know that helping others is good for everyone, including yourself,” says Laurel Circle Community Life Services Director Leah Jennings. “We encourage and empower residents to volunteer on- and off-campus, lead discussion groups, and mentor, knowing that sharing your talents and skills improves your happiness, confidence, and self-worth, while strengthening your connection to others and the world around you.”

Learn more about CGE at www.cge-nj.org.